Ah the Olympics. Young smiling athletes performing at their best representing us all. In a way, we see the best in our country as we watch the competitions in London.

But what else do we see? We see hear a lot from commentators about “the Olympic Ideals” which seem like things we all ought to live up to. Respect, friendship, education, world peace…etc. As a wedding professional, and drawing from my experience at a top Palm Springs florist, I see lessons brides can take from these young athletes and apply to their planning. Here are three:

Have a Positive Attitude. From the moment they stepped out onto the track for opening ceremonies, the athletes were thrilled. They were full of energy,confidence, and smiles! Thinking positive changes your outlook, and makes you a happier bride. Through it all this is a celebration you’re planning! What fun, right?

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Listen to your coach. The athletes (well, the smart ones, anyway,) know when it’s time to let someone else make a decision. They have faith that they’re working with someone they trust to do what’s best for everyone involved. This can be a hard one for brides, who frequently feel they need to direct every detail of their wedding. Sometimes though, your vendor, or bridesmaid, or even (gasp) your mother knows better, so it’s important to listen, and learn to let go.

Live In The Moment. Listening to the athletes’ interviews, each one repeated that their overall Olympic experience was the most important thing to them. You could tell they were soaking in their time as Olympians, and relishing their time in London. Brides should keep that in mind. Wedding planning can be a drag, for sure, but this is a time of your life that you’ll never get back. Enjoy every minute.

Our Olympic athletes are kicking serious butt in London. And it’s a delight to see the country rally around a group of bright, talented young people. Be patient as you, or the bride in your life, move through the wedding planning process. In the end, everyone will rally to see you win something better than a gold medal: a happy married life.

Who’s dating your man? It had better be you honey boo boo child, before, during AND after the wedding. He was beguiled by your charm and fun personality, and fell in love on dates with you. Keep the initial spark alive by still going out regularly- and I don’t mean some kind of obligatory once-a-week dinner that you drag yourselves through. Snooze fest. Think about what you really enjoy doing together, or separately, and have some adventures! You can go as far as a weekend get-away, or stay as close as your own kitchen, but be creative.

Recently I told my husband we were going on a mystery outing. He had no idea where, but loved trying to guess! He’d been talking for the last few weeks about wanting to test-drive a Cadillac CTS Coupe, so I had found a local dealer, and we went on a “Sunday Drive” to go take a look. He was very surprised that I would even come up with such a thing, and was thrilled to pieces. The date was a hit because it was something he was really into, and it warmed his heart that I had been listening.

If your imagination is running a little slow these days, The Dating Divas have a website chock full of ideas to spice things up. (No, not that way. Get your mind out of the gutter). They have themed dates, bargain dates, at-home dates for after the kids go to bed… you get the idea. So go out and get dating!